Benefits Overview

The University is self-insured for its benefit programs

Medical

MEDICAL: Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska administers the university's health care and dental care plans. The UA Choice health care plan features three levels of coverage and an opt-out provision. Annual plan deductibles vary based on the level of coverage selected. All plans have annual deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. Using a Blue Cross network provider maximizes coverage. All plans have preventive benefits that are not subject to the deductible or coinsurance.

Dental

DENTAL: All UA Choice plans provide coverage at various levels for preventive, restorative and prosthetic dental services. Coverage may be subject to an annual deductible depending upon service received, and plan selected. Annual dental benefit maximum is $2,000.

Pharmacy

PHARMACY: Pharmacy benefits are administered by Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska throught their pharmacy partner, Express Scripts. The 750 Plan and the High Deductible Health Plan provide a three-tier benefit design for prescription drugs. Copays vary depending on whether you use a generic, preferred name brand or non-preferred brand name drug. Speciality pharmacy benefits are available for complex, chronic diseases and conditions. Additional savings are available to those who use the mail-order pharmacy at Premera.com. Click on "online pharmacy" for more information.

Prescription drugs are covered on the Consumer-Directed Health Care Plan as well, and are subject to the deductible and coinsurance like any other medical expense.

Vision

VISION: The vision exam benefit is the same for all levels of the UA Choice plan, but lenses and frame allowances vary based on plan selection. Benefit information can also be found here. UA has contracted with VSP (Vision Services Program) to provide discounts on a variety of vision-related services and supplies for all levels of coverage.